In Kindergarten through second grade, all classes plan meaningful and engaging lessons that are rooted in the Catholic faith and utilize Archdiocesan standards to drive instruction. Language Arts follows the Wonders Language Arts Curriculum which focuses on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and beginning writing and spelling that follow phonics rules. Teachers also run reading centers that provide individualized instruction for all learning levels.
Our math instruction from the Big Ideas curriculum focuses on number sense, addition and subtraction, and introduces concepts of measurement, money, and time. Students are grouped based on grade level.
Our robust instruction also includes daily lessons in history, science, and religion in which students engage in these topics through projects and field trips. Some notable field trips includeYaYa Farms/Rock Creek Farm (alternating), Miller Farm, Planetarium, Denver Zoo, Sweet Cow, Butterfly Pavilion
In these crucial formative years, it is important that students not only learn core curriculum, but also engage in, building healthy friendships, developing gross and fine motor skills, and practicing living out their faith. Additionally, teachers utilize the Brainwise curriculum to encourage social emotional well-being.
Small class sizes ensure that students are truly known and loved.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Elementary School is known for its award-winning academics. Most students test at least one grade level higher than the norm on standardized tests. We offer an excellent core curriculum based on archdiocesan standards. Small class sizes with low student/teacher ratios afford plenty of individual attention.
Curriculum continues to expand from lower elementary where students dig deeper into key subjects, building on previous their year’s learning. A major part of grades 3 – 5 is to connect topics in meaningful ways and to help students gain more understanding of concepts through direct experiences such as 4th Grade Businesses, field trips and pilgrimages related to curriculum standards. Students explore content through simulations, projects and collaborative learning opportunities.
Literacy
Our teachers utilize the McGraw-Hill Wonders Reading Program for classroom instruction in Kindergarten through 5th grade, and the Lexia Computer Program for personalized learning and reading skills development.
Mathematics
Math students are grouped according to their skill levels. The elementary program encompasses the Big Ideas Math Program and in-depth supplemental instruction.
The SHJ intermediate years are a time of growth and helping students become the best person they can be!
At Sacred Heart of Jesus, the middle school students are the leaders of the school. Our goal is to guide them to become positive role models and strong leaders by teaching them to embrace responsibility as Christian stewards. Our excellent middle school staff members create an environment where students are challenged to be their best, encouraged to ask questions, and are valued for who they are.
Our priority in the SHJ middle school is to address the whole child and the unique gifts that they bring to our community. To prepare our students for a rigorous high school curriculum, our daily core classes include math, social studies, science, religion, and language arts/ literature. Rotating enrichment classes include art, music, Spanish, and physical education. We also cater to the social emotional growth of the students by teaching them critical thinking skills using the Brainwise curriculum.
We also believe part of our responsibility as Christian stewards is to serve the community around us. Middle school students are required to complete a specific amount of “service hours” within the school, home, and greater community.
We invite you to come and see why it’s an exciting time to be an SHJ middle school student!
Areas of concentration over the years include:
Areas of concentration over the years include:
Elementary students visit the library with their classes weekly. Students are encouraged to check-out books and enjoy quiet reading time with their classmates.
Students in pre-kindergarten through second grade have story time with the librarian to improve reading comprehension skills as well as learning about popular and classic authors and books.
Spanish classes for the elementary school are offered weekly for a period of 45 minutes each.
Areas of comprehension over the years include:
Middle School Curriculum includes the following components: